Does Kevin Garnett want to play one more season? Does he want to play that season in Brooklyn? Will he only do it if free agent Paul Pierce returns?

There have been a lot of questions about the future of KG with the Nets, but they are feeling more optimistic about his return — and if he is returning, Pierce is more likely returning. All this is via Marc Stein of ESPN.

Nothing is official yet, but quiet optimism is emanating from Brooklyn when it comes to Kevin Garnett playing for one more season…

“I think he wants to keep going,” said one source close to the situation.

Garnett’s return, of course, would certainly enhance the Nets’ chances of hanging onto free agent-to-be Paul Pierce, who is expected to draw interest from Doc Rivers’ Clippers and a slew of other contenders.

Garnett, $38, would make $12 million. That’s not a bad motivation, either. The other advantage is that the Nets are in the East — with a healthy Brook Lopez and some more consistent play they could be the second or third best team in that conference. I don’t see them as contenders (as constructed) but in the East they could win plenty of games and make a little noise in the postseason.

Still I have a hard time seeing him come back if he doesn’t get to do it along side Pierce, who he followed to Brooklyn. You can be sure the two have talked. If Pierce decides he wants to play for Doc Rivers and get set up by Chris Paul for a couple seasons to end his career, or that he’d rather be anywhere else, then it certainly makes it less likely we see KG in Brooklyn.

Based on what KG showed in the playoffs, this is a bit surprising. But as a fan of his work I’m glad he’s sticking around for another year. And you’re right, with Lopez, and a couple of tweaks, who knows what might happen. The East will be wide open.

Its not KG’s role to score in doubl digits anymore. Hes there for defense and leadership.
He also had back issues this year that hampered him and led to his less than stellar playoff showing. Hes never going to be 26 year old KG again, but he should be better if his injury issue is behind him.

KG should retire – he’s been fighting the injury bug since his last 2 seasons in Boston. Sure, he might chip in a 20-point night here or there, but not often. As for his defensive efforts and leadership: he’s old and frequently injured, he’s not scaring anyone on the defensive end. And the leadership stuff, be a coach, not a player who should retire and open up that roster spot (and $12 million salary hit) for a younger player.

This is going to take some time to shake out. Pierce is watching the situation in Boston too, & if they pull something off, he’s going back. He wants to finish his career in Boston if at all possible, & if he thinks they can contend in the East again, #34 is back in green. I can see the Clippers because of Doc & he’s from LA, but honestly, how close are the LAC to winning it all? They have to deal w/the brutal west & even w/all the Doc hoopla from last year, they were pretty much the same as the year before. Pierce will be in Brooklyn or Boston.

KS has 12 million reasons to play 1 more year so cant fault him there. As to why this team would be interested in bringing Pierce back is a real head scratcher. The needle is just about on E for him and JKidd needs to severely manage his minutes if you want to get anything out of him come playoff time. They weren’t good enough this year to make it to the Finals so I don’t know why at a year older for both the Nets think they can get over the hump with them.

You are both absolutely stupid to keep stalking each other on every dang article, yes you are BOTH stalking. Does it appeal to your inner twelve year old to keep going back and forth instead of just ignoring each other and moving on? Seriously, grow up.

Nets may lose Blatche but still benefit from a shorter rotation since Kirilenko opted in. Plumlee is probably in the gym as I type getting better. With Lopez back. Teletovic as a stretch 4. They were in the Final Four in the East without Lopez and with all these “flaws”. Paul Pierce is still better than most guys on your favorite team too. If Deron gets to 85 percent of what he was they will at least be in the East Semis again. The Nets players should be saying “Run it Back”.

KG still has gas in the tank. There’s a lot of miles on those old tires but nobody has to push him as he is self motivated. If he walks away it’s not because he can’t play. I would seriously think about The Clippers though. They are going to be a real force once Rivers shows them how to win in the playoffs and hit that next gear.

All you need to know about KG’s value was in the improved play of Mason Plumlee. Aundray Blatche even made strides as far as smarter play but he is Aundray Blatche which means more good than bad. This year it was a lot more good than bad. KG leads by example and can still contribute on the court. The Nets don’t need him to go 20-10. If this is his least season he should be respected for the part of his game that will never fade. His heart. 30 teams could use KG.

The kid from Baylor I was surprised they got because the only time I saw them play this year, I remember thinking of KG immediately thinking now way the Nets get this guy.. Jefferson would benefit the most. But a healthy Deron and Brook together playoff time is always the question. And I have to admit I was not appreciative of Joe Johnson. And his game relies on strength, not speed so I don’t look at his contract so bad either anymore. Just get him in position at the end of the game and he finishes.
Pierce and Garnett should both stay.